Almost Half Of Fires Last Halloween Were Deliberate

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has highlighted potential fire hazards and called for increased safety awareness in the community ahead of Halloween.

Fire crews responded to some 127 incidents on the 31 October 2018- 42% of which were deliberate fires. While the figure represents a 7% decrease on the previous year, the risk of dangerous situations emerging from firework and sparkler use remains.

As the NIFRS gears up for another Halloween this Thursday, the public are advised to remain safe when organising or attending such displays, particularly with children wearing fancy dress costumes.

Group Commander Gerry Lennon expressed disappointment at the rate of deliberate fires that remains, saying: "Deliberate fires pose a serious risk to life, property and the environment and they put extra pressure on NIFRS resources which could result in a delay in getting to a real emergency. We are asking people not to engage in this type of anti-social behaviour."

Mr Lennon went on to highlight the increased fire hazards that emerge over Halloween, particularly regarding children.

He said: "Fireworks and sparklers are good fun at Halloween, but without proper supervision they can cause serious injury. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to the heat from a welding torch. Please ensure that fireworks and sparklers are used safely and in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

"We would also like to remind parents of the potential dangers when their children are wearing fancy dress costumes, either shop bought or home-made. Make sure that children are properly supervised at all times; keep them away from fireworks, or open flames such as candles, pumpkins with candles in them and bonfires. If their costume catches fire remember STOP, DROP and ROLL to quickly extinguish the flames.

"We want everyone to have a fun and enjoyable Halloween and to put safety first and be aware of additional fire hazards at this time of year."

The NIFRS issued some additional advice ahead of the festivities.

Fireworks

• Anyone wishing to buy or use fireworks must obtain a license, full details of which are available online at NI Direct.

• Only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows they meet European Safety Standards.

• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

• Store in a closed box when not in use and keep away from ignition sources.

• Follow the manufacturer's advice on each firework and use them one at a time.

• Light them at arm's length using a taper. Stand well back.

• Never go near a firework that has been lit, even if it hasn't gone off as it could still explode.

• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

• Always supervise children around fireworks.

• Keep pets and animals indoors – the flames and noise upset them.

• Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.

Sparklers:

Sparklers are often viewed as being harmless but they do burn at fierce temperatures.

• Store sparklers in a closed box in a cool, dry place.

• Always light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves, keeping them at arm's length.

• Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in your hand.

• Plunge finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water as soon as they have burnt out. Sparklers stay hot for a long time.

• Don't take sparklers to public displays. It will be too crowded to use them safely.

• Never give sparklers to under 5s – they will not understand how to use them safely.

• Always supervise children using sparklers, give children wollen gloves to wear and teach them how to use them properly.

If your child is wearing a fancy dress costume this Halloween…

• Keep children away from naked flames – avoid using a naked flame or candle in pumpkins; use a torch, glow stick or battery operated candle.

• Stop, Drop and Roll if clothing does catch on fire – to try to extinguish the flames and also to stop the flames from rising towards the face.

• Choose a costume and mask that doesn't restrict a child's visibility or vision.

• Wear woolen tights or 'heavy' trousers (jeans) and a woolen jumper under the costume.

• Ensure children are well supervised at all times.

• Look out for Costumes that are labelled 'Low Flammability' 'BS5722' or have the European code 'BS EN 14878' which meets the higher standard of The Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985.



(JG/CM)